Friday, October 28, 2011
Hall 1-2 (San Jose Convention Center)
The characterization of non-premixed methane/air flames was experimentally investigated in a counterflow burner configuration. The main objective of this study is to test a water-laden fuel mixture and then understand the thermal effect of the interaction of the water vapor injections into the methane stream. These effects include conditions for flame extinction as well as characterization of the flames by strain rate. Varying the velocity ratio of fuel to oxidizer will adjust the flame position and may potentially vary the flame temperature. Measurement of flame temperature as a function of position is accomplished using thin filament pyrometry (TFP) under the addition or exclusion of water vapor. Temperature measurements are taken using both an FLIR SC 620 infrared camera and an S-type thermocouple. Modes of pyrometry are calibrated using a K-type thermocouple fixed in a furnace of known temperature that is composed of materials of known emissivity. Experimental measurements are compared to a simulated model in CHEMKIN of the non-premixed counterflow CH4/O2/N2 gas flame using the OPPDIF (opposed flow diffusion flame) configuration and kinetic model. Validation of accurate flame temperature profiles will improve our understanding of methane hydrate combustion, possibly for its future implementation as a potential source of alternative energy.